Glenelg senior takes lead in setting benefit concert

April 11, 2008|By Lisa Silverman | Lisa Silverman,sun reporter

When Caitlan Dowling first learned about Bridgeway Hope Academy in Webuye, Kenya, a school that brings students from different tribes and social classes together, she knew she wanted to help the academy in some way.

Through her school's mentor program, Dowling, a senior at Glenelg High School, worked with Courtesy on the Road to organize a benefit concert. The result is tonight's Live 12 showcase featuring eight county high school bands. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. concert at the Gathering Place, 6120 Day Long Lane in Clarksville, are $12 and available at the door.

"I am so excited that everything is finally coming together," Dowling said. "It is going to be awesome."

The eight bands will perform a cover song, a band original, and one that promotes safe driving for Courtesy on the Road.

Four judges, including well-known local blues recording artist Deanna Bogart, will select one band as Courtesy on the Road's new "spokes-band." The winning band also will have the opportunity to create its own music video.

"This event is a celebration," said Lisa Morrow, director of Outreach and Development for Courtesy on the Road. "We're really excited to give bands the opportunity to compete to promote safe driving while raising money for a good cause at the same time."

Ricky Nguyen, a sophomore at Hammond High School and member of the band Monterey, is excited about the opportunity to perform.

"Live 12 is for a great cause," he said. "We know it will be an awesome experience."

Morrow helped found Courtesy on the Road (www.courtesyontheroad.com) three years ago to promote safe and courteous driving among teenagers in Howard County.